Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tilting Train Services: West Coast Main Line

Thursday 22 October 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Michael Fabricant raised concerns about the future of tilting train services on the west coast main line after High Speed 2 completion.
  • The Minister assured that fast inter-city trains will continue to run on the west coast main line once HS2 is operational.
  • Tan Dhesi questioned the financial viability of High Speed 2 phase 2b and its impact on northern cities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con
Transport
Context

Michael Fabricant is concerned about the future of tilting train services on the west coast main line after High Speed 2 (HS2) is completed. He notes that Lichfield and over 20 other stations along this line will not be served by HS2.

Question

I am concerned about the future of tilting train services on the west coast main line after High Speed 2 is completed. Recently, HS2 informed me that when the current Pendolino trains are phased out, they will not be replaced with any fast trains, leaving stations like Lichfield Trent Valley without a fast service to London. Can you assure me that HS2 was mistaken in this statement and that these stations will still have a fast train service once HS2 is operational?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I am happy to provide reassurance. Fast inter-city trains will continue to run on the west coast main line once HS2 opens. All towns or cities currently served by direct services to London are expected to retain comparable or better services post-HS2.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm if HS2's previous statement about discontinuing fast train services was incorrect, despite the MP asking for it.

How: Reassurance Without Specifics, General Statements

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Transport
Context

Following up on his initial question, Michael Fabricant is seeking further assurance about future train services after HS2's completion. He notes that Lichfield and other stations will not be directly served by HS2.

Question

The previous answer was very different from what HS2 told me recently regarding the west coast main line post-HS2 completion. Given that towns like Lichfield are among over 20 stations without direct HS2 service, I am worried about losing fast train services when Pendolinos are phased out. Can you confirm definitively here today that HS2 was incorrect in saying there will be no fast trains on the west coast main line after this phase?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I am glad to reassure my hon. Friend that fast inter-city trains will continue on the west coast main line once HS2 is operational. All towns currently served by direct London connections are expected to maintain comparable or better services post-HS2.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm whether HS2's previous statement about discontinuing fast train services was incorrect, despite the specific ask for this confirmation.

How: Reassurance Without Specifics

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Q3 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Transport
Context

Concerns are raised about overspends on High Speed 2, leading to speculation that the Government might abandon their commitment to connect all the way to Leeds. The MP emphasises the importance of delivering HS2 in full for regions like Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and Leeds.

Question

Reports suggest further financial issues with High Speed 2, raising doubts about whether phase 2b will be completed as promised. Despite pledges to 'level up' regions across the UK, there are fears that northern cities such as Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and Leeds might not benefit from HS2's full extension. Can the Minister categorically confirm today that if HS2 is delivered, it will indeed extend all the way to Leeds?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

When the Prime Minister approved High Speed 2 earlier this year, he confirmed our commitment to delivering phase 2b but noted that the exact approach would depend on findings from the integrated rail plan. Significant progress is being made with this plan; Sir John Armitt and the National Infrastructure Commission have already released an interim report, and further recommendations will inform our response before Christmas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a definitive confirmation regarding the completion of HS2 phase 2b, despite the MP's request for such assurance.

How: References To Ongoing Processes

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